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Great arrangements begin long before design. They start with how you process your flowers. Correctly handling and conditioning your stems helps:
- Maximize bloom life
- Prevent wilting and disease
- Reduce waste
- Improce overall customer satisfaction
With iBuyFlowers, your blooms are already days fresher than traditional wholesalers since we ship directly from the farm to your door, and that freshness deserves the best care possible.
Start Here: The Non-Negotiables
1. Sanitize Everything
Disinfect all buckets, tools, and surfaces using floral cleaner or rubbing alcohol. Bacteria and fungi from dirty equipment can kill stems quickly.
2. Use Flower Food
Always mix flower food into your water according to the manufacturer's instructions. Plain water is not enough, especially for retail shop arrangements. Flower food helps hydration and nourishment.
3. Cut Stems Properly
- Re-cut stems at a 45° angle using clean, sanitized tools
- Remove any foliage below the waterline to prevent bacterial growth
- Place flowers immediately into prepared water after cutting
- Optional: Use a hydrating solution like Quick Dip (avoid it for ranunculus)
Depending on the flowers you're working with and your timeline, you can choose between a Quick Simple Method and a Full (VIP) Method. Both are effective, but the right method depends on the context.
The Simple Method
- Keep Roses Wrapped (unwrap other varieties)
- Remove Lower Leaves
- Cut Stems and place in clean water with flower food
- Let Hydrate for a few hours or overnight
- After hydration, remove any remaining foliage and prep for design
- Use hydration or sealing spray for a finishing touch (optional)
When to Use:
- For robust flowers like chrysanthemums, carnations, or alstroemeria
- During high-volume weeks or limited staffing
- When you need blooms ready quickly without sacrificing too much vase life
The Full Method
For delicate flowers or premium designs, this method ensures maximum vase life and professional results.
- Keep wrappers on roses during hydration
- Remove lower foliage and offshoots a quarter up the stem
- Re-cut stems
- Place in a hydration solution (e.g., Hydraflor 100 or Quick Dip. Avoid for ranunculus)
- Let sit overnight in a cooler (34–38°F / 1–3°C, 75–85% humidity)
- Unwrap roses
- Remove any extra foliage
- For hollow stems (ranunculus, tulips, callas), use shallow water to prevent rot
- Re-cut stems and move to a holding solution like Floralife 200
- Use clean, sanitized buckets
- Wire fragile stems (ranunculus, garden roses, gerberas, dahlias) to prevent drooping
- At design, use bloom-promoting solution (e.g., Crystal Clear 300) in vase water or soaked floral foam
- Ensure foam is fully soaked before inserting stems
- Apply Finishing Touch for petal hydration
- Use Crowning Glory to seal in moisture and freshness before delivery or display
When to Use:
- For weddings, luxury events, or delicate blooms like peonies, garden roses, and ranunculus
- To extend cooler life and minimize product loss
- When quality and longevity matter more than speed
No matter how well you process, flowers can still deteriorate if stored improperly.
Cool it down: Store flowers in a floral cooler at 34–38°F (1–3°C)
Keep them hydrated: Check water levels daily and top off as needed
Avoid ethylene: Keep flowers away from ripening fruits and vegetables
No crowding: Allow air circulation around each bunch
Stay dry: Avoid getting water on blooms. Wet petals = mold risk
Be Gentle: Handle blooms carefully to prevent bruising or snapping
In Conclusion...
The way you process your flowers is just as important as the way you design them. Whether you're in a rush or giving your blooms the full spa treatment, the key is intentionality. Clean tools, smart hydration, and attention to detail can make your flowers last longer while making your business shine brighter.
Even better? When you source flowers from iBuyFlowers, you’re already a step ahead. We ship directly from our farms to your door, no middlemen, no unnecessary handling. That means your flowers arrive fresher, and with the right care, they’ll last even longer.
Wilfred de Wit, CEO of iBuyFlowers
Want More Flower Know-How?
Want to read more about the flowers that come from our farms? Check out our Agrogana and Agrinag farm blogs. Also learn more from our CEO, Wilfred de Wit, about how we connect florists with flower growers and more through this special podcast episode with Botanical Brouhaha!